No comments about Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology Soprano Vol.5 SMTA (Singers Musical Theater Anthology).

1 comments about Leonard Bernstein: American Original.

1. Although this book was originally scheduled for publication on 8-22, I received mine today, 8-19, a testament to Amazon.com's speedy delivery service. It's difficult to categorize this volume, falling somewhere between a coffee table picture book and a personal photo album. Bernstein's brother apparently came up with the idea, this in his brother's 90th year. There are articles and remembrances from mostly his years with the NYP, written by Alan Rich, Paul Boyer and others with Burton Bernstein commenting on each. There is a good amount of new black and white photos strewn among the 207 pages with lots of newspaper reproductions, sidebars and fancy graphics that I found a bit distracting and, again, make me want to put it on a coffee table rather than store more formally on a book shelf. But for those of us who cannot get enough of Bernstein and continue to re-read Humphrey Burton's masterful biography, this is a nice adjunct. It makes us miss him all over again.

5 comments about The First Book of Soprano Solos (Book/CD): (Includes 2 CDs) (First Book of Solos).

1. This book has songs that are difficult and easy. If you sing then you really need this book.
   ~Adele



2. We use this book for Vocal contests--nothing better! Try the others in the series!



3. My daughter, now a sophomore in college, asked for this book for a birthday present. She has performed songs from it during high school and now continuing into college. It has a great selection of soprano songs.



4. A great selection of songs for the beginning-intermediate soprano. This collection takes the singer from Easy Songs for the Beginning Soprano: With a companion CD of piano accompaniments (Easy Songs for Beginning Singers) into a slightly more advanced repertoire.
   
   Here the young singer begins to venture into linguistic challenges with music in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. Comedy is incorporated with "The Green Dog" and, "A Little China Figure". English art-songs, "When I Have Sung My Songs" and "Have You Seen But A White Lily Grow" are lovely additions to the repertoire, adding unique challenges.
   
   For religious songs, "The Beatitudes" is a lovely, simple piece that encourages development of control and breath support. "The Crucifixion" is a dramatic religious piece, more modern in it's composition, and challening the ear to hear more interesting rhythms and intervals.
   
   "Lied Der Mignon" and "Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Ailes!" are lovely introductions into German and French. And "Oh, What A Beautiful City!" is a challenging, lovely American Spiritual.
   
   No doubt, you will find several seasons of songs in this collection that will help you to grow into an outstanding soprano.



5. I am a singing teacher with a bachelors and a masters in voice and teaching voice. Yes this series is interesting- yes it to some extent accomplishes what it sets out to do, but in my experience students only like 3 or 4 songs per book at most! It is even worse with the beginner series- the early songs. There is so much wonderful really appropriate repertoire out there for young singers in all voice parts that is completely ignored in favor of these books. Also, a good portion of the repertoire in every book as you advance through the series is totally inappropriate for certain voices that fall into the category. Although Joan Frey Boytim has, in theory, done a great thing; I have to ask myself why not really focus on wonderful songs in great keys for a broader variety or go the opposite way and make the books even more specific- The second book of Soprano Solos for the young Coloratura, or the young Lyric. Buy it if you like the music, but in the opinion of this teacher find a great teacher that teaches you from a variety of sources.

5 comments about Arias for Soprano: Voice and Piano (G. Schrimer Opera Anthology).

1. Next time, I'll check the titles of the songs more closely. I already have many of these arias in my old copy of Schirmer's Arias for Coloratura Sopranos. I was looking for something that had more arias for the beginner-intermediate level soprano. This is a good book for the more advanced soprano particularly coloratura's, however.



2. I was looking for this book everywhere and couldn't find it. Here in Amazon I found it absolutely new for almost 6$ less that the actual cost it has on the back cover. The edition is clear, easy to read and find and the translations are included. I highly recommend this book for all sopranos.



3. These books are great. I own the coloratura edition, also, along with the Standard Literature book. They are accurate and easy to read. There are also usually a few different options for cadenzas.



4. This book is by far my most tried and true friend. I bought it again because I not only overused and spilled numerous cups of coffee on my last book, but I took it with me everywhere and I would lose my own head if it weren't attached. Nonetheless, I digress.
   
   I have had this book (in one form or another) since I started studying classically 10 years ago. It includes a good variety of arias from various operas across all languages and over the course of opera history. It is an excellent book for college students, because the music is very legible and approachable. Larson has included many stylistic suggestions (appogatura and melismas), as well as a program notes section that includes scene descriptions and translations (which are far better than all in-music texts in other soprano anthologies). I often find it easier to use this music in auditions rather than provide score copies to an accompanist.
   
   This volume, along with the coloratura, oratorio, mezzo-soprano, and volume 2 soprano should be staples in any younger singer's library, and are great references for high school and college professors.



5. I am so glad that I bought this book. It has quite a few of the beginning to intermediate aria favorites. My voice teacher was quite happy to use this book to help me develop my voice rather than the favorite but extremely overused "24 Italian Songs and Arias".
   I have sung quite a few songs out of this one, and I know I will sing more in the future.
   This is a book that is for ALL sopranos. It contains arias for many different voices. Dramatic and Lyric sopranos alike will find songs within this book.
   My only real complaint is that I am currently doing "Deh vieni, non tardar" and it doesn't have any optional variations at the end, and at the beginning there are stars where the appoggiaturas should be, instead of writing the actual appoggiatura.
   The translations are quite useful and really help with the choosing of the songs. But in order to fully perform the song, it is still necessary to look up the words individually.
   But overall a great buy, who can beat the price? All operatic sopranos will wind up singing at least one song from this book, I can guarantee that. Nothing beats owning your own music. :D

5 comments about Spring Awakening - Vocal Selections.

1. If you have not yet seen the show and you are able to do so, see it. Drink it in. It is the strongest social commentary on repression of ALL people, not just teens, I have seen in a long time. Read the script. Discuss with your friends. It is as multifaceted as a diamond. It is the anthem to an era.
   
   As a vocalist, I own the vocal selections to about 15 musicals I have enjoyed. Every time I get the same watered down vocal lines, removed harmonies, gross accompaniments and rhythms that seem to have been transcribed by a first year music theory student. Not so with this book. This book has the significant harmonies that can be heard on the soundtrack. It is truly a masterful transcription of a difficult score. All the songs you could want are there.
   
   The best vocal selections I have in my possession.



2. This book is fantastic! It's not like alot of vocal selection books that just have the solo works, this had the multiple parts built into the staff to create the beautiful harmonies and chords that are affluent in the musical! Definately worth the wait! Reccomend it to anyone who knows the musical, or just wants to learn to sing such amazing music! I only wish they would have had the reprise in it. On a side note, on one of the songs I believe it is "Touch Me" some lyrics are not the same as whats heard on the soundtrack/lyrics on the cd insert, but it is no big deal seeing as they all flow with the music and it's only a line or two.



3. Wonderful songs that weren't too hard to play, but not elementary music. There were a couple of songs that were missing. Also there were opening sections of songs that were missing which was sad. Otherwise it was wonderful and I loved the pictures and the lyrics. Just an amazing musical in general!!!



4. What a shame...
   
   After months of waiting for this music book to be released, I was disappointed to discover that the piano arrangements are not really up to scratch.
   
   Spring Awakening is one of the best shows I have seen recently and this was maining due to Sheik's truely wonderful score. Why then, after almost a year of wait, did the publishers of this book allow below par arrangements for the piano.
   
   Overall, this book still deserves a place in your music collection. The songs are very well written and, once you get a feel for it, you can busk your way through each time!



5. This songbook is one of the better ones I have purchased. The vocal arrangements are true to the recording. It is wonderful to have all of the harmony parts for a change. The musical arrangements are pretty good but are not note-for-note in some songs. I am sure this was done to allow solo piano arrangements for guitar oriented songs. They only thing I was disappointed in was the omission of Mama Who Bore Me(Reprise).

3 comments about Norton Recorded Anthology of Western Music, Fifth Edition, Volume 1: Ancient to Baroque (6 CDs).

1. If you're a music student at almost any major school (I just finished my undergraduate at Indiana University, for example) you'll most likely need to take a course that uses these CD's as part of its history survey. For that purpose, this set is an excellent collection. These, with their companion Norton Anthology of Western Music, and in conjunction with Grout/Palisca's History of Western Music, make for a thorough survey of the roots and history of Western music. Both the History and the Anthology use these CD's, and make constant references to them. (At least, up until 1750, after which you'll need the second volume)

   Having said that, however, i'm afraid that these CD's are limited to their intended purpose. Obviously, there would be absolutely no way to have a comprehensive collection of music and text be affordable to an average college student. As it is, the Grout, Norton, and CD's total about $200 total. However, for that cost they provide an extremely good survey of Western music. A student can follow historical developments through the music, and learn an enormous amount from these CD's. They provide a fairly good cross-section of different styles of major composers, and even a few examples of lesser known composers. One is far less likely to criticize the music of the twentieth century, for example, if one finds that Gesualdo (of the late 16th century) was writing music that was MUCH stranger than anything before the turn of the twentieth century.

   For someone outside of the music school (who will most likely be required to buy these anyway), these are also an excellent (and comparatively affordable) way to survey the mainstream and less-mainstream trends in Western music. The recordings are all relatively high-quality, often using historical instruments and interpretations (something important to a student of musical history) and providing a good introduction to classical music.

   For that reason, then, i recommend these to the casual listener as a good introduction to Western music. If you seek a "greatest hits" album, these are not that; go buy those Time-Life things they advertise on television. This is rather a serious collection of music from as many different styles as allowable while still maintaining some depth. The only thing that keeps the fifth star empty is the lack (by necessity, though i must admit) of a more wide-ranging selection of music. Despite that, they are still an excellent buy. The casual listener of classical music should find these to be a valuable introduction to the well known, and also the more obscure realms of early music.




2. I received these cds well on time, and upon discovering they were the wrong cd set the return also took place quickly.



3. The CDs in this set are not packaged in standard jewelboxes nor even in cheap sleeves, but are mounted directly atop a printed surface. As a result, when I purchased the set from my school bookstore, I found that several of the CDs had dried flecks of ink on the data side that made it impossible to play or rip certain tracks. Beware.

5 comments about Il Divo: Our Music, Our Journey, Our Words.

1. What a wonderful book. A GREAT READ!! I've enjoyed reading the individual comments. I have more respect for each of the guys and how they relate to each other and to their fans. The early childhood comments are most interesting. I recommend this to any fan to better understand the guys on a personal level. I've read it several times. I especially like the portraits and group pictures.
   
   The interaction among them is interesting as they come from completely different backgrounds. The different cultures must have been difficult to deal with, however, their maturity shows they all compromise. I especially like reading about their interests 'outside' Il Divo...



2. First, anything Il Divo is and excellent investment. Second, it is written by the group members themselves which makes the book an accurate telling of their lives rather than an edited second hand version. The pictures are great as well.



3. The book is well written and the individual stories of each Il Divo singer brings the reader closer to a better appreciation of their music.



4. The four hunks,known as Il Divo, are to be commended for the honesty in which their book is written. So many artists today will not release info on their private lives but Carlos, Seb, David & Urs spoke from their hearts. The thousands of fans know these guys are entitled to a private life off stage and hearing about their wives, girlfriends and their lives growing up make them all the more human. No wonder they are so popular. I highly recommend this book for reading and the pictures aren't bad either. Great book guys, you did a fantastic job.



5. i thinks.. This Book Is very Incredible book, Have Ever i Read Before.
   this Book Tall About, Many stories About Il Divo, And Them Personal Carier And Life,,
   And I Thinks... We Can Learn Many More.. From They..
   " Before His Succes...
   They Faight.. They Wise Word.. And They.. Life Experience..
   anyone Never, Succes.. Before.. Fail Happen To Theirs Life.. Firts..
   Thanks

5 comments about The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 1: Guitar Technique.

1. I was looking for some quick motivation, and this book has provided. It has an attractive layout and is well-written and organized. It contains much good information and advice for beginners--or those of us who may have played off and on for years but still don't feel like true "intermediates".
   
   The most valuable thing is the nice selection of compositions. Several of them are new to me, and really fine, like the "Catalonian Song" and "Simple Gifts." Chances are you'll find things in here that you really like and want to work on. The arrangements are interesting but not too difficult. Left hand fingering is provided, which certainly helps.
   
   I'm more motivated than I've been in years. This book is a great value.



2. This is my first recommendation for students of the classical guitar who are approximately age 9 and up. It has many photos and illustrations and moves at a swift pace.



3. I have been playing the guitar on and off for over 10 years. I have never really gotten to a point that I can say that my skills were really great. Primarily I have taught myself to play. I have learned a few songs and played mostly cords, and tab.
   
   I first got interested in arpeggio, or classical guitar, a couple of years ago. I have read a few lessons, from books mostly, and learned a little.
   I bought this book a few weeks ago and have not stopped playing since. The key to learning the guitar, in my 10 years experience, is persistence. You have to keep practicing to build up your finger strength and the tips of your fingers. Prolonged absence of practice will weaken your finger strength slightly, but weaken your finger tips greatly.
   
   This book brings you through some classic lessons and techniques that will help to build the use of your fingers. It also shows you the proper positioning and posture that should be used while playing. This is important because it helps you to play longer if you are comfortable.
   This book also has some really great practice pieces. The songs are a mix of duets and solo pieces. The duets can be played solo just for the practice. I find myself going back to them often for two reasons. Practice is one and the other for note recognition. Some of these pieces are really very nice and sound really great.
   
   I would recommend that anyone who wants a really challenging form of guitar playing to purchase this book. I would also like to state that I had read that this book should take a person 1 year to complete. I tend to disagree. I have made excellent progress in the book so far. I have had a few road blocks, but persistence had been its own reward. The point is, your progress will be determined by your dedication to practice. The only thing that has slowed me down, or prevented me from practice is the soreness of my fingers.
   
   I am glad I bought both Volume 1 and Volume 2 at the same time. Before I know it I will be in the second volume.



4. I have personally used a lot of different beginner guitar books to get a grasp on playing the guitar. 99% of them all lack a basic understanding of certain techniques, and information on properly playing the guitar. This book hands down is the best beginner book I've used. In conjunction with a teacher, you will very quickly understand many aspects of the guitar that most other books don't ever cover. And Parkening doesn't miss a step. Highly Recommended for any teenager or adult whom wants to learn the guitar. This book will teach proper technique for all guitar players (ie, electric, acoustic, classical (of course), etc.) The techniques in this book will save you hours of frustration later when you hit a road block, or need to re-learn proper guitar technique.



5. This is a great book containing many familiar songs arranged in a very comprehensive way. I think everyone should get this book.

5 comments about Carnival of the Animals: Classical Music for Kids.

1. My three year old and six year old both love hearing the animal sounds created by the music.It is so enjoyable to hear beautiful music while reading along and viewing the very colorful illustrations. This is one we will definitely read over and over again. A great introduction to classical music for little ones. Also, very enjoyable for the parent!



2. I am using this book for teaching grade one music. It is wonderful! the children love the pictures and the music. They have enjoyed responding to the music through movement and art work. A very good purchase!



3. Nice music, very good text in a book, explaining what you hear, but if you are a teacher, you need more action in the class with this book (additional pictures or muppets for action before the sound and the history). The children enjoy acting out the animals to the music so I am glad that I did get it for the planned body movement in the classroom.



4. I recently bought this book because I had wanted to teach my preschoolers about the different instruments. This book works for preschoolers on up to about 3rd grade. The tracks go along with sections in the book that are specific to that part of the music and the animal it portrays. The text can be modified to meet your needs and the language was just right for my 3 and 4 year olds who soon were able to catch on to the instruments they were hearing. Later when I put the CD on for them they would stop and yell out the animal or instrument they were hearing. I am glad to have this in my collection for future classes.



5. My 2 1/2-year-old loves the book and the music. The CD though, its volume is not equalized. Some of the tracks are very difficult to listen to, even with volume turned up to 3 times the normal level. I'm not sure if it is counted as a default so I did not send it back to Amazon. Otherwise we're very happy with it.

5 comments about Complete Preludes, Nocturnes and Waltzes: 26 Preludes, 21 Nocturnes, 19 Waltzes for Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics).

1. Carefully transcripted and correctly analysed in both tonal and expression matters this sheet music Chopin collection covers the needs of both the experienced and the amateurs pianists.



2. This is an excellent book from Schirmer's Chopin collection "Complete ...", in this case "... Preludes, Nocturnes and Waltzes". Really amazing collection of Chopin's master pieces. This book worths every cent you invest in it.



3. i've never thought getting this would be beneficial since there are tons of free resource on the net, but i was wrong. better arrangement, more detail, it's just better for learning and playing. again i'm an beginner, but i like this book so much. chopin all the way!



4. not that i/ll ba able to *play* many of the pieces here. i have always liked the schirmer library series. this has quite a lot in it compared to some volumes.



5. When one plays the music of Chopin the keys on the piano actually become keys.Keys to another universe.This universe is no doubt where he is right now and forever.I do not believe the bar has been raised higher for the piano than Chopin raised it in his 39 years.This is a great bargain as well.I had been playing his Preludes in an old book I had that has now fallen apart from so much use and I gladly would have paid this price for the Preludes alone.I am just now getting into the noctures and the second one,which I believe is in e flat I had heard years ago somewhere and always wanted to know who had composed it.Painfully beautiful.Of course than again so is everything he ever did.Highly recommended.